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August Wilson Center World Premier Tribute Ceremony - 9/17/09

The August Wilson Center for African American Culture opened its doors this past summer, but officially christened the space with its World Premiere Tribute Ceremony. More than 700 of Pittsburgh’s elite walked the red carpet for the World Premier Celebration, which kicked off the night with cocktails, tours, and many a performance — Joy Ike, the August Wilson Center Chorus, Dance Ensemble, Sphinx Chamber Orchestra, The Harlem Quartet, and Billy Porter, to name a few. As the evening progressed, beauties from Utopia Model Agency wore frocks commissioned by Fashion Africana and the 3D party kicked off — drinks, dancing, and desserts. DJ Nate the Phat Barber had the crowd dancing in The Studio until the clock struck midnight. But perhaps the best part of the event was the $350,000 raised for the new cultural hotspot in the city. Photography by Megan Wylie